The 1980s were a transformative decade for rock music, thanks to the rise of MTV and the music video format. Suddenly, fans could see their favorite bands in action, whether through concert-style performances or elaborate, artistic productions. This visual revolution made rock stars larger than life and turned many songs into cultural touchstones. While pop acts like Peter Gabriel and A-ha created iconic videos, this list focuses on the rock and roll that defined the era. Here are the 10 best rock music videos of the 1980s, ranked.
10. "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard (1987)
Def Leppard were one of the biggest rock bands of the decade, known for their high-energy sound and big hair. Their 1987 album Hysteria was a massive success, and the third single, "Pour Some Sugar on Me," propelled them to new heights. The video is a straightforward performance clip, showing the band in an empty arena before a show and then in front of a roaring crowd. With black-and-white rehearsal footage interspersed, it captures the band's raw energy without needing any gimmicks.
9. "Jump" by Van Halen (1984)
Van Halen were even bigger than Def Leppard, thanks to Eddie Van Halen's guitar wizardry and David Lee Roth's charismatic stage presence. Their 1984 album, the last with Roth, featured the hit "Jump," a song about finding hope in tough times. The video is a performance piece, with each band member getting their moment to shine. It's a concert for one, and it perfectly encapsulates the glory of 80s rock.
8. "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses (1987)
Guns N' Roses brought a gritty edge to the big-hair era. Their debut album Appetite for Destruction made them instant legends, and "Welcome to the Jungle" was their breakthrough. The video shows Axl Rose stepping off a bus in Los Angeles, a newcomer to the city's seedy underbelly. As he transforms, his hair grows wilder, and he watches TV screens of destruction. It's a raw, intense clip that announced a new rock god.
7. "Don't Come Around Here No More" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1985)
Tom Petty was already a star before music videos, but this format gave him a new creative outlet. The video for "Don't Come Around Here No More" is an ode to Alice in Wonderland, with Petty as the Mad Hatter. It features surreal scenes and a controversial ending where Alice is turned into a cake and eaten. The special effects were groundbreaking and earned the video an MTV Video Music Award.
6. "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits (1985)
Dire Straits' Brother in Arms album took the band to new heights, thanks in part to the video for "Money for Nothing." The song's lyrics about rock stars having it easy were perfect for a video, especially with the repeated line "I want my MTV." The video features blocky, computer-animated characters, which looked revolutionary in 1985. It tells the story of working-class men dreaming of the rich and famous lifestyle.
5. "Sharp Dressed Man" by ZZ Top (1983)
ZZ Top, with their iconic long beards, hit the mainstream with their 1983 album Eliminator. "Sharp Dressed Man" is the coolest track from the album, and its video is equally cool. It continues the story from "Gimme All Your Lovin'," where a valet transforms when he gets the keys to the band's car. With beautiful women by his side, he dances the night away while the band performs.
4. "Land of Confusion" by Genesis (1986)
Genesis' "Land of Confusion" is arguably the most terrifying music video ever made, even more than Michael Jackson's "Thriller." It features exaggerated puppet caricatures of political figures, including President Ronald Reagan, who dreams of marching feet and bodiless heads. The video is a nightmarish political satire that remains unforgettable.
3. "One" by Metallica (1989)
Metallica's "One" is a powerful anti-war song, and its video is equally impactful. It intercuts live performance footage with scenes from the 1971 film Johnny Got His Gun, which tells the story of a soldier who loses his limbs, sight, hearing, and speech. The video's stark imagery and emotional weight make it one of the most memorable of the decade.
2. "Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake (1987)
Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" is a classic rock anthem, and its video is iconic for featuring the band's lead singer, David Coverdale, and his then-girlfriend, Tawny Kitaen. The video is famous for Kitaen's dance on the hood of a car, which became one of the most memorable moments in music video history. It's a quintessential 80s rock video.
1. "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel (1986)
While Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" is often considered pop, its innovative animation and surreal visuals make it a masterpiece that transcends genres. The video uses stop-motion, claymation, and other techniques to create a bizarre, captivating world. It won numerous awards and is widely regarded as one of the greatest music videos of all time. For rock fans, it's a must-watch.
These videos not only defined the 80s but also changed the way we experience music. They turned songs into visual stories and made rock stars into icons. For more on the best of entertainment, check out our list of the best animated shorts or the most thrilling action movies of the 90s.
